Atlanta Falcons receive top marks with The Athletic’s analytics-based grading system

Over the past couple of weeks, the Atlanta Falcons have been eviscerated for their resource allocation in the 2025 NFL Draft. National media from various platforms have ripped the Falcons for their use of next year’s 1st-round pick to acquire the now-enigmatic EDGE prospect out of Tennessee, James Pearce, Jr.

Atlanta sent the 46th and 242nd picks in the 2025 draft, which the Rams used to select Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson and Pittsburgh WR Konata Mumpfield, as well as next year’s first-round pick to move back into the first round to choose Pearce and snag a third-round pick just outside the top-100.

To most, this is an egregious misuse of resources. As The Athletic’s Josh Kendall…